California is known for lots of things like Hollywood movies and Los Angeles modeling. It is known to be a progressive state with lots of opportunity and willingness to grow. The acceptance of this state has helped guide the state to be so successful and rank top in its education and entertainment marks. However, we aren’t known for only good things. California is also known for its tragic big rig truck accidents.
California is the top in the nation for truck accidents. Big rigs or semi-trucks drive up and down the state all the time. Those who drive these trucks have to take classes and tests for specialized licenses in order to maneuver such a big vehicle. However, just like when you drive any vehicle for a long time on the same road you start to get used to it. You get used to a route so you start to get distracted. Even though we expect drivers to pay more attention as they drive bigger vehicles, it doesn’t always work out that way.
Trucks usually have to follow a rigorous schedule that requires them to record sleeping time and driving time. Truck companies make their drivers follow these rules for the safety of the driver and others who share the road. However, at the end of the day, it is the trucker’s responsibility to get the load to the right person at the right time even if this means that they have to cut some corners. One of the top reasons why truck drivers get into accidents it is because of the abuse of prescription drugs. They want to stay awake longer so they take a medicine that helps them stay awake longer to drive further.
Other reasons are speed and fatigue. When a semi-truck is speeding it makes it harder to adjust to new situations that require the driver to brake or slow down. For a truck to brake, it takes longer than a vehicle given its size and weight. There is no “slamming” on the brakes because it can lead to a truck swerving and hitting other cars. Fatigue is when a driver is too tired and starts to fall asleep at the wheel. When a truck drifts into a lane it has the potential to hit several cars, not just one. If a truck drives onto the shoulder lane and tries to correct itself can also cause an accident with several cars and not just one. The worst is when several trucks hit each other.
If you find yourself in the middle of a truck accident it is important to seek help and medical care. You should also, if able, take pictures and ask witnesses what they saw. Then call 310-997-0904 or click here to speak with our truck crash lawyers at the Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg in Los Angeles. With a free consultation, we will listen with an empathetic ear. We work aggressively for our clients and promise to work just as hard for you.